St. Cecilia Community Messenger

Feb 24 - 28, 2025

Week at a Glance

Mon, Feb 24, Day 1

Last day for Cocobrooks and Spolumbos

Tues, Feb 25, Day 2

Wed, Feb 26, Day 3

Pink Shirt Day - Students are invited to wear a pink shirt to show awareness and support for victims of bullying.

Thurs, Feb 27, Day 4

Sugar Shack

Fri, Feb 28, Day 5

On the Horizon

March 1: Francophone Month begins

March 4: Djembe drums

March 4: Shrove Tuesday, Thank you to St. Cecilia Knights of Columbus for supplying pancakes.

March 5: Ash Wednesday Celebration

March 6: Pick up Spolumbos and Coco Brooks

March 20: School Council 6:30 PM

March 24: Readathon begins

March 25: Lockdown Practice 10:00 AM

March 27: Lenten Liturgy 10:30 AM

April 7: Book Swap

April 11: Pledges from Read A Thon Are Due

April 16: Holy Thursday Liturgy

May 1: Asian Heritage Month

May 8: Spring Family Dance

May 15: School Council AGM

May 19: Victoria Day - No Classes

May 22: Marian Liturgy

May 28: ELA PAT - Gr 6 Students

May 30: Sacramental Recognition Liturgy - 10:30 AM

June 5: School Council Meeting - 9:30 AM

June 6: PG Day - No classes

June 12: Gr 6 ELA PAT Part B

June 13: Gr 6 Math Part A

June 18: Year End Mass

June 21: National Indigenous People's Day

June 25: Last day of classes for students

June 26: Last day for teachers

Greetings

Thank you for your continued support at St. Cecilia and maintaining awareness of school life by opening and reading our weekly newsletter. The image below shows the analytics for last week's newsletter. Please note that creating and maintaining this newsletter is our administration's main communication strategy and we do our best to limit stand alone emails mid week although it is sometimes necessary to send communication from the office. Please note that your child's classroom teacher uses Google Classroom and regularly communicates with students and families.

CUPE Update

CUPE Update

We value and appreciate the contributions of our CUPE employees and will continue to engage in negotiations in good faith. Important updates for students and families are below. We will continue to share updates on our website as information becomes available.

Who is on strike? We care deeply for all employees. CCSD was served 72-hour strike notice by CUPE Local 520 on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Approximately 350 CCSD CUPE employees are affected. CUPE members include custodial staff, cleaners, plumbers, tradespeople and boiler operators.

What will happen? All CCSD schools will remain open during any job action. CCSD has a contingency plan in place to maintain safety and cleanliness in our schools, which includes contracting certified individuals to check boilers and HVAC systems, contracting individuals to clean schools and engaging existing contractors to complete snow removal tasks as needed.

When will this happen? CCSD was served 72-hour strike notice by CUPE Local 520 on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. CCSD will cancel all facility rentals effective Saturday, February 22, 2025. Before and after school programs will remain open. Extracurricular school activities will continue. Job action may occur beginning on Monday, February 24, 2025.

What are the next steps? CCSD will continue to engage in negotiations with CUPE in good faith and prays for a peaceful resolution to the matter.

Cupe Strike Impact on St. Cecilia School

Our emphasis during this time will be on staff and student safety. Our boiler and heating system will continue to be remotely monitored and checked on site regularly.
Washrooms will continue to be cleaned and sanitized.
Our lunchroom will be cleaned by either admin staff or contracted cleaners.
Snow removal from entrances will be taken care of by contracted companies.

During this time, we encourage students to pack a litterless lunch and to conitnue to keep their desks and personal items organized as well as to make sure to remove boots at their entrances to avoid tracking snow or dirt.

School Council and Education Society

Our parent groups for School Council and the Education Society would like to thank all parents for thier generous support so far this school year. We understand that there exists some fundraising fatigue in our community but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and reason for renewed optimism. Our playground fund is approaching 100 000 dollars and we are looking forward to building in the summer of 2026. We know that next year will be challenging without a playground but we feel strongly that facing and overcoming that adversity will help us to come together as a community.

Our Spolumbos and CocoBrooks fundraisers will come to a close this Monday. Thank you for your support. We would also like to reassure families that while we greatly appreciate your support, we understand the pressures to contribute and we fully respect all family choices in regards to which initiatives you choose to support.

It will soon be Shrove Tuesday and Lent will begin. Students will receive pancakes generously supplied by the St. Cecilia Knights of Columbus and our School Council will supply syrup and other necessary items. St. Cecilia School is looking for donations of unused metal utensils to be kept at the school for students who may need them at lunchtime or for events such as Shrove Tuesday. If you are cleaning out your kitchen and have unused metal forks and spoons, feel free to send them our way.

School Council Fundraiser - Spolumbos and Coco Brooks - LAST CHANCE MONDAY, FEB 24.

Please consider purchasing food items through either CocoBrooks or Spolumbos. The food is nutritious and delicious and easy to prepare. Profits from these purchases will go to support activities at the school such as paying for transportation for field trips.

https://stceciliaschoolcouncil.myteamfund.ca/

Calgary Catholic Education Foundation Raffle

Please consider supporting the Calgary Catholic Education Foundation raffle which is currently underway. The CCEF supports Catholic Education by providing grants to schools for things such as playgrounds and technology upgrades. You may purchase your ticket at this link: 2025 CCEF ANNUAL 50/50 RAFFLE | Rafflebox

Or, scan the QR Code.

Thank you for supporting the CCEF!!

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Student Success

Growth Mindset and NED

Last week students attended the NED assembly where they learned about the positive aspects of adopting a growth mindset. NED is an acronym that stands for:

Never Give Up
Encourage Others
Do your best

Over the course of the week many students purchased yo yos and they have enjoyed playing with them and developing their skills. Our goal is for students to apply this same mindset to their studies and classroom lessons. I encourage all families to take a look at this link to learn a bit more about growth mindsent from a fitness perspective.

Well Being

Hello Families,

Have you heard about phone-free or tech-free zones? How about a phone -free zone in the bedroom? Not just at night, but at all times?

A phone-free zone in a kid's room is an area where electronic devices, especially smartphones, are not allowed. This can help create a space that encourages activities like reading, playing, or sleeping without the distractions of screens. Here are some benefits of having a phone-free zone:

Better Sleep: The blue light from screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Keeping phones out of the bedroom can help kids fall asleep faster and enjoy better quality sleep.
Reduced Distractions: Without the constant notifications and temptations of games or social media, kids can focus better on their homework or other activities.
Improved Mental Health: Limiting screen time, especially before bed, can reduce anxiety and stress, promoting better mental health.
Encourages Other Activities: Without phones, kids might be more inclined to read, play, or engage in creative activities.

What do you think about implementing this in your home?

A phone-free zone in the bedroom benefits adults as well! Please click on the link for more information.

https://amerisleep.com/blog/tech-free-bedroom-sleep/

Faith Formation

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Faith Formation - February 2025.pdf

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Faith Formation February

February is dedicated to the Holy Family – how fitting for us since we are anticipating the Family Day long weekend following Teacher’s Convention halfway through the month.

In the liturgical calendar, February begins with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on Feb. 2. This is also sometimes called Candlemas. Check out Living the Church Year with students on page 3 for some ideas on how to bring this episode from Luke’s gospel to life with students!

Page 2 continues our exploration of the person of Jesus and how he is depicted in art. This month, see the images of Jesus on the Sea of Galilee.

We invite you to celebrate the Jubilee Year! Page 1 has a section on the Jubilee of Hope including the CCSD Jubilee Calendar – an interactive site with challenges, readings and virtual pilgrimages in the lives of the saints. You can find that Calendar here: https://view.genially.com/67574d5c6b829f2d1aef5e9c/guide-jubilee-year-calendar

In the month of February, the universal Church will recognize a special Jubilee of Artists!

February is also Black History Month – check out the section on page 3 with links to resources and don’t forget to visit the our district’s own Black History Month google site with activities and resources for each division: Black History Month.

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Jubilee- Information Newsletter (003).pdf

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Indigenous Education

School Results Commentary

School Improvement Plans

Each year Alberta schools are required to analyze data and make plans for continual school improvement. Our school plan flows from the School District plan and is framed around District Priorities which are; Faith Formation, Student Success, Well Being and Indigenous Education. Our school plan is housed on our school website at this link: Reports & Publications - St. Cecilia School.

Over the coming weeks I will include snippets of data from our AEM report and Student Voice Survey in this newsletter. Ongoing discussion, analysis will occur at the school level as the school year continues to unfold.

Student Voice Survey

Each year, students in grades 4-5-6 are asked to complete the Student Voice Survey. The SVS collects data on the District Board Priorities and students are asked a variety of questions.

Student Engagement Analysis and Commentary

This image presents survey data on various aspects of student social and interpersonal competence. Let me provide an analysis of the information:

1. "I am sensitive to the needs and feelings of others."

- 27.45% of respondents strongly agree they are sensitive to the needs and feelings of others.

- 49.02% agree with this statement.

- 15.69% disagree.

- 7.84% strongly disagree.

The data indicates that a majority of students feel they are empathetic and attuned to the emotions and needs of their peers. However, there is still a notable percentage who struggle with social sensitivity.

2. "At my school, people care about one another."

- 16.67% of respondents strongly agree that people at their school care about each other.

- 53.92% agree with this.

- 18.63% disagree.

- 10.78% strongly disagree.

The responses suggest that while many students perceive a sense of care and concern within their school community, a sizable minority do not feel this way. Fostering a more empathetic and supportive school culture could be an area for improvement.

3. "I enjoy cooperating and collaborating with peers/classmates."

- 45.1% of respondents strongly agree they enjoy collaboration and cooperation with their peers.

- 47.06% agree with this statement.

- 7.84% disagree.

The data indicates that a significant majority of students report enjoying collaborative learning and working with their classmates, which is a positive finding.

Overall, the survey results highlight both strengths and areas for growth in student social competence. While many students demonstrate empathy, care for others, and a collaborative spirit, there is still room for improvement in fostering a more inclusive and supportive school environment where all students feel valued and connected.

Enrollment in A Catholic School for Non-Catholics

The Education Act requires the Calgary Catholic School District to prioritize resources and facilities for resident (Catholic) students. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the advancement of a non-resident (non-Catholic) student from one grade to the next in the same school or from elementary to junior and senior high school.

We do not reassess the enrollment priority of a non-resident student during a school year, but we may do this for a future school year. This may result in us informing you to seek enrollment at a different school in the Calgary Catholic School District or another school division for a future school year.

Please contact me at denis.fortier@cssd.ab.ca or by phone at 403 500 2063, if you have any questions about your child’s enrollment priority.

Board of Trustees Priorties

Board Meetings

February 21, 2025

To view the Calgary Catholic Board Meeting Highlights for the Regular Board Meeting of February 19, 2025, as well as previous Highlights please access the following link: https://www.cssd.ab.ca/highlights-minutes

Useful Links

Faith Formation Links

Formed, AKA Netflix for Catholics

All About Shrove Tuesday

Student Success Links

My Child's Learning: A Parent Resource

Canadian Parents for French - CPF is an advocacy group whose aim is to promote French bilingual education.

St. Cecilia Student Handbook

K to 12 Education in Alberta: This link gives a broad overview of Alberta's K to 12 education system.

New LearnAlberta Parent Support Website: Contains an overview of grade level topics and is a good place to start for parents who are looking for ways to engage with their child's education.

Programs of Study: Links to K-12 programs of study as well as Tools for Parents.

Please click the links below to view the volunteer orientation and please make sure to complete the acknowledgement forms. These steps are very important in keeping you up to date as a school volunteer.

Volunteer Orientation: https://youtu.be/QaOxx2x3-eM

Acknowledgement Form: https://forms.gle/sDCD7aYau9PTGgSPA

Indigenous Education Links

21 Things You May Not Have Known About the Indian Act

Indigenous Veteran's Day - Nov 8.

The Seven Sacred Laws Animated Web Series

RupertsLand Institute

Indigenous Elder Definition

Wellness Links

Action for Happiness Action for Happiness is a great resource to bring more positivity in our lives.

The Summit - The Summit program is an Alberta Health Services program that supports children and families experiencing mental health concerns that need to be addressed. They provide long term counselling as well as walk in’s.

CanLearn Society - A great resource for parents on how to manage mental health issues or concerns in the home.

Healthy childhood development through outdoor risky play: Navigating the balance with injury prevention.

Brief review about outdoor play

The importance of regaining outdoor PA

HealthyHunger.ca Healthy Hunger.

Bullying Prevention Resources for Alberta Government

Links for Playground Donations

For St. Cecilia School students/parents, please click below link to login school fee payment account to make the donation:

https://www.studentquickpay.com/CSSD/Default.aspx

For guest donors, please click below link to login and make the donation:

https://www.studentquickpay.com/CSSD/MyAccount/Main.aspx?webitemid=8670